Uplink Reference Signal Allocation for Inter-RAT Connection Handling
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional wireless communication systems face challenges in inter-RAT connection handling, particularly when transitioning between different Radio Access Technologies (RATs), as existing methods rely on downlink measurements, which are not optimal for uplink-based schemes, leading to inefficiencies in energy consumption and decision-making.
Innovation Solution
A network node configured to operate in a first RAT allocates radio resources for uplink reference signals, allowing for inter-RAT connection handling by measuring and making decisions based on these signals, thereby enabling coherent handling between network nodes and reducing the need for frequent downlink reference signals.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If downlink measurements are used for connection handling decisions, then measurement accuracy is improved, but energy consumption increases and uplink-based schemes become inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the conventional approach by having the user device perform uplink measurements and report them to the network node, rather than the network node performing downlink measurements. This inversion enables uplink-based connection handling decisions, reducing the need for frequent downlink reference signals and thereby reducing energy consumption while maintaining measurement accuracy through the user device's reporting capability
Solution Approach 2:
The user device is empowered to autonomously perform measurements on uplink reference signals and generate measurement reports without requiring continuous downlink reference signals from the network. This self-service approach reduces network energy consumption while maintaining accurate measurement capabilities through the device's own processing and reporting functions
2Productivity
If uplink reference signals are allocated for inter-RAT connection handling, then connection management efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal measurement and reporting mechanism that operates across multiple RATs (LTE, NR, 5G). The user device and network node are configured with multi-functional capabilities to handle uplink reference signal measurements and connection decisions across different radio access technologies, improving connection management efficiency without requiring separate dedicated mechanisms for each RAT
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes configurable parameters such as measurement thresholds, reporting intervals, and reference signal resources that can be adjusted based on RAT-specific requirements. These parameter changes enable efficient inter-RAT connection handling while maintaining manageable device complexity through standardized configurable frameworks rather than hard-coded RAT-specific logic
3Measurement precision
If the network node makes connection handling decisions based on uplink measurements, then decision accuracy is improved, but signaling overhead increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements partial measurement reporting where the user device reports only the necessary measurement results (e.g., RSRP, RSRQ) without transmitting raw measurement data. This partial action approach provides the network node with sufficient information for accurate connection handling decisions while minimizing signaling overhead by transmitting only essential processed measurement parameters
Solution Approach 2:
The patent establishes a feedback mechanism where measurement reports from the user device trigger connection handling decisions, which are then communicated back to the device. This feedback loop enables accurate decision-making based on uplink measurements while optimizing signaling overhead through event-triggered reporting and decision communication rather than continuous signaling
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
The present invention relates to a first network node (100) and a second network node (600). The first network node being configured to operate in a first Radio Access Technique, RAT, and the first network node (100) comprising: a processor (102) configured to receive a radio resource request (RRR) for a reference signal (RS) to be transmitted by a user device (300), determine that the user device (300) is served by a second network node (600) configured to operate in a second RAT allocate a radio resource for the reference signal (RS); a transceiver (104) configured to transmit a first control signal (CS1) to the user device (300), the first control signal (CS1) indicating the allocated radio resource, receive a reference signal (RS) via the allocated radio resource from the user device (300); wherein the processor (102) is further configured to measure the reference signal (RS). The second network node (600) being configured to operate in a second RAT and serve a user device (300), and wherein the second network node (100) comprises: a transceiver (604) configured to receive a measurement of a reference signal (RS) from a first network node (100), wherein the reference signal (RS) is transmitted from the user device (300) to the first network node (100), and wherein the first network node (100) is configured to operate in a first RAT; a processor (602) configured to make a second connection handling decision for the user device (300) based on the received measurement of the reference signal (RS). Furthermore, the present invention also relates to corresponding methods, a computer program, and a computer program product. (Fig. 6)